Mazamas — For the Love of Mountains
Mt. Cruiser is the highest peak of the craggy Sawtooth Range, rising just east of the scenic Flapjack Lake area. Smoot writes: "Mt. Olympus notwithstanding, Mt. Cruiser is probably the classic climb of the Olympic Mountains, definitely one of the best rock climbs in the range." Wow, sign me up! (Cruiser's photo on the cover of the Olympic Climber's guide does not hurt the popularity either.). After ascending a gully (hard snow in early season, rock in late season), and some traversing, two pitches of easy 5th class rock gets you to the top. Like many Olympic climbs, the approach trail is flat for a ways along a drainage, and then gets steep - 3,200 feet up in the last 4 miles. It's a 16 mile round trip from the car. Flapjack Lake is a popular destination - consider a weekday climb to make it easier to get the required backcountry camping permit (from the Staircase Ranger Station).
Activity Notes
Join us for a weekend climb to the Southwest face of Mt Cruiser, a premier climb of the Olympics. Alpine rock, two pitches, 5.2, grade II. For safety, we'll climb the initial chimney as a roped pitch.
SKILLS REQUIRED
- Lead belay and rappel
- Multipitch 5.0+ alpine rock experience
- Confident on extreme exposure
- Fitness to travel hours with only cursory breaks
- Optimism to motivate your partners and keep them safe
While a fun, accessible route, this climb needs grit, and is best with prior summit of a multipitch 5th class peak. Examples include Cathedral Rock, Acker, Ingalls or other qualifying routes. This prereq is in addition to any roped scrambling experience.
Include a completed profile (example) or climb resume. Exposure: if scrambling Shuksan's summit, North Sister, Jefferson, Constance or similar was fun, you'll enjoy this approach!
SCHEDULE
We'll aim to camp overnight at Flapjack Lakes on Saturday, departing for Hoodsport on Saturday morning, and return Sunday. Bring one charcuterie item to share, for a quick picnic afterward at Flapjack Lakes. Note we're pragmatic on weather and need a clear forecast, to ensure safe return.
| Other Information | |
|---|---|
| Driving Distance from Portland | 160 miles |
| Driving Time from Portland | 3 hours |
| General Route Info | Olympic Nat Park HQ: 360-452-4501, Staircase Ranger Station: 360-877-5569 Summitpost - https://www.summitpost.org/mount-cruiser/151837 |
| Expected Duration | Car to car in two or more days |
| Interesting Features | Mountain Views, Old Growth Trees |
| Relevant Books | Climber's Guide to the Olympic Mountains by Olympic Mountain Rescue Climbing Washington's Mountains by Jeff Smoot |
| Relevant Maps | USGS 7 minute series, Mt. Steel, Green Trails #167, Mt. Steel, and Trails Illustrated, Olympic Nat. Park. Custom Correct maps are great also Google map https://goo.gl/maps/XFu15WCRSey |
| Useful Links | GPS Track GPS Coordinates Map |
